The Shiv Sena (UBT) has convened a critical parliamentary party meeting on Thursday amidst reports of a potential revolt and defection of MPs to the Eknath Shinde-led faction, a move referred to as "Operation Tiger." A party whip has been issued, mandating attendance and warning of action against violators, as the meeting aims to ascertain the success of any attempted breakaway group and determine Uddhav Thackeray's remaining parliamentary strength. Shiv Sena MLC Chandrakant Raghuvanshi claimed six MPs have already joined the Shinde camp, although the exact number of defectors remains unconfirmed, with the party needing at least two-thirds of its nine Lok Sabha MPs to form a separate bloc or avoid disqualification. Meanwhile, Arvind Sawant, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, met the Lok Sabha Speaker to prevent recognition of any "breakaway" group, indicating that the outcome of this meeting will significantly impact the party's position within Parliament and its alliance with the BJP, potentially strengthening the NDA ahead of the monsoon session.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has convened a critical parliamentary party meeting on Thursday amidst reports of a potential revolt and defection of MPs to the Eknath Shinde-led faction, a move referred to as "Operation Tiger." A party whip has been issued, mandating attendance and warning of action against violators, as the meeting aims to ascertain the success of any attempted breakaway group and determine Uddhav Thackeray's remaining parliamentary strength. Shiv Sena MLC Chandrakant Raghuvanshi claimed six MPs have already joined the Shinde camp, although the exact number of defectors remains unconfirmed, with the party needing at least two-thirds of its nine Lok Sabha MPs to form a separate bloc or avoid disqualification. Meanwhile, Arvind Sawant, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, met the Lok Sabha Speaker to prevent recognition of any "breakaway" group, indicating that the outcome of this meeting will significantly impact the party's position within Parliament and its alliance with the BJP, potentially strengthening the NDA ahead of the monsoon session.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has convened a critical parliamentary party meeting on Thursday amidst reports of a potential revolt and defection of MPs to the Eknath Shinde-led faction, a move referred to as "Operation Tiger." A party whip has been issued, mandating attendance and warning of action against violators, as the meeting aims to ascertain the success of any attempted breakaway group and determine Uddhav Thackeray's remaining parliamentary strength. Shiv Sena MLC Chandrakant Raghuvanshi claimed six MPs have already joined the Shinde camp, although the exact number of defectors remains unconfirmed, with the party needing at least two-thirds of its nine Lok Sabha MPs to form a separate bloc or avoid disqualification. Meanwhile, Arvind Sawant, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, met the Lok Sabha Speaker to prevent recognition of any "breakaway" group, indicating that the outcome of this meeting will significantly impact the party's position within Parliament and its alliance with the BJP, potentially strengthening the NDA ahead of the monsoon session.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has called a crucial parliamentary party meeting on Thursday amid growing speculation of a revolt within the Uddhav Thackeray camp. The party has issued a whip directing all lawmakers to attend the meeting, which is expected to determine whether the defection attempt by dissident MPs has succeeded.

“Action will be taken against MPs who violate the whip,” Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant said. The meeting is being held at the party office in the Parliament complex.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MLC Chandrakant Raghuvanshi claimed that at least six MPs from Uddhav Thackeray’s faction have already joined the group led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

“Operation Tiger has taken place in Maharashtra. Today, six MPs have expressed their confidence in Eknath Shinde and have joined Shiv Sena… It is good that they have joined us. I welcome them,” Raghuvanshi told reporters.

He further said that leaders wishing to work for the public should join the Shiv Sena–BJP alliance.

“Operation Tiger” is a term used in political circles to describe alleged efforts to strengthen the Shinde-led Sena in Parliament by attracting MPs from the Uddhav faction.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) currently has nine MPs in the Lok Sabha, and at least two-thirds are required to form a separate group or avoid disqualification. Three MPs—Anil Desai, Rajabhau Waje, and Arvind Sawant—have pledged support to the Uddhav Thackeray camp.

The remaining six MPs are Sanjay Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar, and Sanjay Jadhav. Even if one MP from the dissident group attends the meeting, it could affect recognition of any separate bloc.

Sawant on Wednesday met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and urged him not to grant recognition to any "breakaway" group claiming to represent the party.

Thursday’s high-stakes meeting in Delhi will determine whether Uddhav Thackeray retains his parliamentary strength or faces another major split.

The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena currently holds seven Lok Sabha seats and remains a key ally in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Analysts believe the latest development is part of a broader political strategy aimed at strengthening the NDA ahead of key legislative business in the upcoming monsoon session.